Caramel Apple Cookies

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter, plus 2 tablespoons
2 small honey crisp apples, chopped
1 cup brown sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2-3/4 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup caramels, cut into bits

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 

2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. and add the apples and 2 tablespoons brown sugar, stirring to incorporate. Cook, stirring occasionally until apples are tender, about 25 minutes. Set aside and let cool. (This step can also be done the night before with apples cooling in the refrigerator overnight.) 

3. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the 3/4 cup butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt, and beat until light and fluffy. Slowly add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon, and mix until well blended. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on medium speed until ingredients are combined. Fold in the rolled oats and caramel bits. 

4. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes or until cookies start to brown. 

5. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.